On the eastern side of the cardo maximus at Jerash lie the earthquake-stricken remains of the Western Baths – once an impressive complex of hot- (calidarium ), warm- (tepidarium ) and cold-water (frigidarium ) baths. In Roman times, public bathing fulfilled the role of a social club and attracted a wide variety of people who gathered to exchange news and gossip as well as to enjoy music, lectures and performances.
Dating from the 2nd century AD, the Western Baths represent one of the earliest examples of a dome atop a square room. The Eastern Baths lie outside the gated city on the other side of the wadi in the modern town of Jerash. They are lit up at night and are interestingly juxtaposed with a modern mosque.
